Diabetes Board decisions

The rating reduction for prostate cancer from 100 percent to 40 percent, effective February 1, 2018, was proper. The rating reduction for diabetes from 40 percent to 20 percent, effective February 1, 2018, was not proper and the 40 percent rating is restored.

The Board denied an earlier effective date for service connection of diabetes mellitus, type II due to the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents at Ubon RTAFB. The effective date was set as November 2, 2015.

The Veteran's gout was not present in service and is unrelated to service.,A cervical spine disability, low back disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, and right lower extremity radiculopathy were not present in service or within one year following separation from service. The Veteran’s disabilities are not otherwise related to service.,Sleep apnea was not present in service and is unrelated to service.

The Board has granted service connection for diabetes mellitus and prostate cancer. The Veteran's erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence are remanded to allow for further development, including a VA examination.

The Board dismissed all appeals due to the Veteran's death.

The Board denied service connection for the claimed conditions, finding no evidence of actual or presumed exposure to herbicide agents during service and thus not meeting the criteria for presumptive service connection.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is presumed to have been caused by in-service exposure to herbicide agents, including Agent Orange. As a result, service connection for diabetes mellitus is granted.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death, finding that the preponderance of evidence did not support a conclusion that the Veteran's service-connected disabilities caused or contributed to his death.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and transient ischemic attack due to exposure to herbicides or secondary to service-connected disabilities are remanded. The AOJ must verify the Veteran’s alleged in-service herbicide exposure and schedule VA examinations if necessary.

The Veteran's service connection claim for hypertension and TDIU claims were denied. The Board found no evidence linking the Veteran’s hypertension to his in-service exposure to herbicides, and there was insufficient continuity of symptomatology to establish direct service connection. For the period beginning March 31, 2014, the Veteran's diabetes mellitus and skin condition did not render him unemployable.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus, bilateral hearing loss disability, and hemorrhoids have been granted service connection. The Veteran is also awarded a rating of 20 percent for his bilateral hearing loss disability.

The Board has granted the Veteran's claim for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II (DMII) and remanded the issue of secondary service connection for erectile dysfunction.

The Board has granted service connection for trauma and stressor-related disorder, but remanded other claims due to incomplete information regarding duty dates and the need for additional examinations.

The Board has reopened the Veteran's claims for service connection for ischemic heart disease, diabetes mellitus, and prostate cancer due to herbicide exposure. However, further development is needed to determine if the Veteran was exposed to herbicides while stationed at RTAFB Takhli in Thailand.

The Board has dismissed all claims due to the death of the appellant.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus was rated at 20 percent, and the Board denied an increased rating.,He was also denied special monthly compensation based on need for aid and attendance due to service-connected disabilities.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claims for additional development due to incomplete service treatment records and a need to clarify the type of hearing requested by the Veteran's representative.

The Board has denied service connection for Diabetes Mellitus Type II and remanded the issue of service connection for Degenerative Joint Disease of the Right Ankle.

The Veteran's radiculopathy of the right lower extremity has been rated at 20 percent, but is not entitled to a higher rating.,The Veteran's bilateral flatfeet with residuals of heel spurs prior to July 25, 2019 have been rated at 10 percent, and are not entitled to a higher rating from that date. From July 25, 2019, the Veteran's condition has been rated at 30 percent.,The Veteran's degenerative disc disease of the lumbar spine is currently rated at 10 percent, but is not entitled to a higher rating.,The Veteran's diabetes mellitus requires treatment with oral hyperglycemic agent and a restricted diet, and is not entitled to a higher rating.,Service connection for gastrointestinal condition, thyroid condition, and acquired psychiatric condition (PTSD and anxiety disorder) are remanded.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development to determine if the Veteran was exposed to Agent Orange during his service aboard the USS Enterprise.